Well, I'm not sure if her name is really "Polly," but she sure is a pretty "polly-nator!" Was out working on a park trail, and paused to admire the abundant Butterfly Weed (a species of Milkweed). Noticed some movement out of the corner of my eye, and assumed it was some common species of butterfly - butterfly weed is well-named, it's a favorite nectar source for many butterfly species.

I had no idea that Hummingbirds enjoy butterfly weed nectar! I also got a LOT of very bad photos - most were too blurry or too full of blown-out highlights. Here's one more view of this pretty little pollinator.

While waiting for the return of the hummingbird, I noticed that this little corner of the park has become a great birding spot (will have to take some park visitors there soon). Like much of the region, we've had some very hot dry weather lately, which may explain why this shady, cool, damp location is so attractive to the small birds. Here's a Field Sparrow (a common bird of the old-field habitats) and a Mourning Dove (named for its mournful call), each perched on a cable-gate, and also the dove's friend on the ground below...

It became pretty clear why the Mockingbird (and all the Doves) were fleeing. It was not the noisy photographer, but a much more dangerous character (I believe it's a Sharp Shinned Hawk, but Penolta will probably correct me!)

Hope you enjoyed this brief glimpse into "bird country" here at the home park (all taken with Tokina 400mm). Will end with these views of some "apple thieves" in our backyard - we knew that the Bluejays had fledged, and that the young'uns were enjoying our unripe apples. Did not know that the Titmice were also working the trees. To be honest, we did not see the titmice actually eating apples - maybe they were just eating some of the insect pests!

Thanks for taking the time to look at our feathered friends, and for sharing your comments & critique!